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Why are my rabbits suddenly still, losing balance, and having spasms?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 8 months old

Recently i lost 2 of my rabbits due to an unknown disease.1 was 4 yrs old and the other was 2.They stopped eating food but drank water.While eating they showed difficulty,suddenly becoming still and not moving lik a statue.I think they got spasms which got more frequent towards the last.They stopped moving and lost balance.They stood in a wierd position like a curve,bending lik old men. Please help me figure out this disease.I dont wanna lose more of them.The vets here doesnt care abt rabbits

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on August 6th, 2017

Usually these signs are compatible with a neurological disease caused by a parasite called E.cuniculi. Once a rabbit has E.cuniculi it passes on the infection through spores in its urine. Other rabbits pick up the disease by eating these spores in urine-contaminated food and water. Unborn kits — baby rabbits — may also be infected during pregnancy. 50mg/kg of panacur once daily for a month is the standard treatment but once signs are evident the prognosis is guarded to poor despite the treatment. I would recommend to isolate sick rabbits and maintain hygiene standards very high. Please find further informations about the disease here: http://www.rabbit.org/journal/3-2/e-cuniculi.html Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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